Tubod, Lanao del Norte – More than 150 supporters joined in the motorcade of super flyweight standout Marlon Tapales after his win against tough fighter Alejandro Solorio.


Tapales fought in the undercard of the recent Pacquiao-Mosley fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.


Tapales secured a six round majority decision against Solorio after the Filipino boxer kept pressing the action that eventually wore down his opponent in the latter rounds.


The motorcade that started in Tapales’ hometown of Kapatagan drove through the coastal towns of Lala, Baroy and Tubod.


Hundreds of fans and boxing aficionados lined the national highway to take a glimpse of their newest boxing hero.


After the motorcade, Tapales paid a courtesy call on Governor Khalid Dimaporo who lauded the boxer for bringing the name of Lanao del Norte to the global stage.


“Sayang lang at hindi ko personal nakita ang fight ni Marlon (Tapales) sa Las vegas, but I’m very happy and proud for what he has accomplished”, Dimaporo expressed.


The victory gave Tapales an impressive record of 17-1 with 5 knockouts, while Solorio fell to 4 wins and 5 defeats.


For his part, Tapales thanked his local supporters for believing in him and for constantly praying for his victory.


“I hope you will continue to support me through your prayers especially in my upcoming fight which hopefully will finally be held here in my home province”, Tapales said in the vernacular.


Governor Dimaporo has already expressed his desire to bring Tapales’ next fight to Lanao del Norte.


“With the continued victories of Marlon above the ring, Lanao del Norte may soon become the boxing capital of Mindanao”, Dimaporo said.


Among those who joined in the motorcade were residents of Kapatagan and Brgy. Maranding, government employees, media practitioners from Lanao del Norte, Ozamis City, Iligan City, and local barangay officials.


Tapales who is now jointly managed by Pacquiao confidant Rex 'Wakee' Salud and Bobong Yap of Black Scorpion Boxing Stable, is a native of Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte. VNL/PIO-LDN